The holiday season is a time of joy, giving and togetherness. While that’s not the case for everyone, for many families facing serious challenges like a loved one’s illness, Christmas cheer can be overwhelming.
That’s where the Dream Foundation Christmas Assistance Toy Program, also known as the Dream Toy Program, comes in. It’s a special initiative that provides children with toys to bring comfort and joy during the holidays and beyond. This program ensures that low-income families with a seriously ill parent or children of veterans, no matter the circumstances, can experience the magic of Christmas.
What is Dream Foundation Christmas Assistance Toy Program?
The Dream Foundation runs the Dream Toy Program to assist the families of patients involved in its Dreams for Veterans programs. When a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness, financial and emotional struggles often begin. To ease this burden, volunteers carefully select and send toy boxes filled with age-appropriate gifts for children under the age of 18. These toys provide joy, entertainment and comfort during difficult times of all needy kids.
In 2022 alone, the program:
- Dream Foundation delivered 930 toys to 189 families nationwide.
- Logged more than 408 volunteer hours from dedicated community members.
Who Can Apply for Dream Foundation Christmas Assistance
The Dream Foundation Christmas Assistance Toy Program is open to:
- Children under 18 years old living with a Dream Program or Dreams for Veterans recipient.
- Families whose parent or loved one has been accepted into the Dream Foundation due to a terminal illness (life expectancy 12 months or less).
- Families located anywhere in the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico, will be eligible for the Dream Toy Program.
Dream Foundation Christmas Assistance Application Process 2025
Unlike many holiday toy drives that have strict deadlines, the Dream Toy Program continues throughout the year. Family assistance is provided as soon as a Dream or Dreams for Veterans recipient is approved.
- Visit the Dream Foundation website and apply online or download a paper form to send in by mail.
- Provide all required details, including contact information, diagnosis details, and specific assistance requested for Christmas or the holidays (such as toys for children or a family celebration).
- Applications for toy or holiday programs usually include information about the ages of the children in the home, their preferences, and gifts.
Required Documentation Applicants will typically need to provide:
- Proof of age and residency.
- Information about their financial situation to demonstrate need.
- A letter detailing the dream and why it is important to them.
Steps to Apply for Dream Foundation Application
- Visit the official website: Go the Dream Foundation website and look for the Dream Program Apply page in the Get Help section. Then click on General Dream Application.
- Complete the Application: Fill out the form with your personal information, specific request (type of assistance), and any required medical or financial information.
- Upload or Mail Documents: Provide proof of diagnosis, annual income (tax statements, disability statements, etc.), reference letters, and identification as instructed.
- Submit the Application: It is better to apply online for the fastest processing, but a paper form can be mailed to their provided address.
- Wait for Review: The Dream Foundation will review your application and notify you of next steps or a decision.
How You can Help the Program Grow
The Dream Foundation relies on community support. You can get involved by:
- Donate new toys – Age appropriate, unpackaged toys are always welcome.
- Make a financial donation – Donating financially can help with shipping, purchasing and expanding program outreach.
- Volunteer – Help pack, organize or distribute toys.
- Raise awareness – Share information about the program with families who may be eligible.
Note that – If you live in the Santa Barbara, California area and would like to volunteer for the Dream Toy Program, please email us at volunteers@dreamfoundation.org.
Why This Program is Important
For children, receiving a toy is more than just having something to play with. It’s a reminder that they are cared for and not forgotten during life’s most difficult moments. For parents and caregivers, the program provides relief and joy, helping them create lasting memories during the holiday season.
Final Thoughts
The Dream Foundation Christmas Assistance Toy Program will continue to bring light and joy to families across America in 2025. By supporting this program whether as a donor, volunteer, or advocate you can help ensure that every child can enjoy Christmas, even when facing hardship.
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